Previous Outings A-H

Academy of Sciences
875 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103-3009

Rain or shine, we'll meet at noon at front entrance of the
newly opened Academy of Sciences, now located on Howard Street right near Yerba Buena Park. (The new building opened May 1).

Let's plan to meet up at the BART stations, so this isn't an impossible venture for moms with 2+ kids, the pregnant ladies, or those who simply need moral support getting into the city. This event is easier than it may seem because it's totally BARTable, just exit at the Powell Street Station and walk on 4th street for two blocks. Turn right onto Howard Street.
875 Howard is on the left.

For BART schedules, click here:

We'll have lunch together after we meet, feel free to bring or buy your lunch there. After tooling around the museum, we can make a quick stop at the carousel in Yerba Buena Park on our way back to the BART station

Adventure Playground
160 University Avenue.
 Berkeley, CA
 
First Meet Time:  11:00am at Adventure Playground
Second Meet Time:  12:30pm. Lunch at Shorebird Park,
(This park is adjacent to Adventure Playground.)
Both Adventure Playground and Shorebird Park share the same
address: 160 University Avenue.  Berkeley, CA
 
Nancy and Helen had already visited this place with their kids
and have given it very good reviews. 
Let’s check it out!
 
Excerpt from their website:
“The Adventure Playground at the Berkeley Marina was opened in 1979.  It is a wonderfully unique outdoor facility where staff encourage children to play and build creatively.  Come climb on the many unusual kid designed and built forts, boats, and towers.  Ride the zip line or hammer, saw, and paint.  By providing these low risk activities Adventure Playground creates opportunities for children to learn cooperation, meet physical challenges and gain self confidence.
 
The concept for Adventure Playgrounds originated in Europe after World War II, where a playground designer studied children playing in the "normal" asphalt and cement playgrounds.  He found that they preferred playing in dirt and lumber from the post war rubble.  He realized that children had the most fun designing and building their own equipment and manipulating their environment.  The formula for Adventure Playgrounds includes Earth, fire, water, and lots of creative materials.
 
Adventure Playground is designed for children seven years old and older, however younger children accompanied by a participating adult are welcome.” 
 
After spending some time at Adventure Playground,
the kids can take a break for lunch at
Shorebird Park which is just outside Adventure Playground.
There’s a play structure, sandbox, swings.  Also picnic tables and restrooms are available.
After lunch the kids can either choose to go back to the playground
or play on the sandy beach.
 
Admission:
FREE
 
What to bring to Shorebird Park:
--Picnic blankets, hats, sunscreens, sand toys, kites, tricycles, bicycles.
--Jackets, in case it’s windy.
--Your lunch, pack it or get it from the Marina Deli across the street.
--Bring change of clothes in case the kids will play on the sandy beach.
 
PLEASE TAKE NOTE!
Close supervision of our young children is a MUST at Adventure Playground.
Do NOT expect to see a typical kids’ playground or play structures. 
The play structures here are made out of wood blocks, ropes, tires, tiles,
various kinds of scrap building materials. 
There are hammers, nails, loose wood pieces.
All this is part of its appeal.
Kids make the most wonderful play pieces out of these materials.
But also remember, kids under seven y.o. must be accompanied by a parent
...and there’s a very good reason why they say this.
Please go in with caution.
If you think your child is too young to go into Adventure Playground,
he/she can always just play at the Shorebird Park nearby.
There's plenty to do out there!
 
Also,
Dress your children and yourselves in clothing that
you won’t mind getting stained or ruined.
There are nails and rough wood pieces at Adventure Playground
so it would be good to put on closed-toe shoes.
 
Directions:
You can drive or take public transportation (BART + AC transit)
to get there!
website: http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/marina/marinaexp/directions.html
 
 
RAINY DAY BACKUP:
We’re hoping of course for a gorgeous sunny day to welcome summer but
one can never be sure in the Bay Area, right? 
So, just in case it rains,
we’ll go to LHS (where they have the new Construction Junction exhibit!).
website: http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu/exhibits/construction.html
Meet at 12noon at the Bay Cafe.
1:00pm at the Construction Junction exhibit

Albany Bowl
540 San Pablo Ave
Albany, CA 94706
510-526-8818

When: 11:00am

Cost: $1.00 per game

Lunch: Let's meet for lunch at 12:15pm at Yan Can Go at the new El Cerrito Plaza. After lunch we can go shopping or go in search or a park (in case the weather is actually nice). The El Cerrito Plaza is located at the intersection of San Pablo and Fairmount Avenues.

Albany Pool
1311 Portland Ave in Albany
Phone: 559-6640

Let's go swimming at the heated (84 degrees), indoor Albany Pool. There is open swim from ten-noon. Last time we were there on a Monday, we had the pool practically to ourselves.

When: 10:45am
Cost: $5-$8 for one mom and kid, depending on how they price us that day
Bring: your own towel, swim caps for all swimmers whose hair reaches the earlobes (also on sale at the pool), and swim diapers.
On premises: water toys, life jackets for kids (ask at front desk), floatation devices, showers

Lunch: Fat Apples on 7525 Fairmount Ave in El Cerrito about 5 minutes away.

Alvarado Park
Mcbryde Ave & Park Ave
Richmond, CA

Let's meet at the enclosed playground area
inside the park at12 noon.
Bring your own picnic lunch and balls, lawn games, etc.
There are large open areas where the kids can run and play.

About the park: At the north end of Wildcat Canyon Regional Park
is its Alvarado section.
The original facilities at Alvarado Park included
an open-air pavilion and dance platform,
later converted to a roller rink.
These are now gone, but extensive masonry work,
retaining walls, a stone bridge and stone light standards remain.
Alvarado Park is considered to be a unique variation
on the National Park Service style of "rustic park architecture."
Its stone masonry was constructed during
Richmond's ownership through various Depression-era work programs.
Because of these unique features,
Alvarado is included in the National Registry of Historic Places.
The Park District has replaced Alvarado's old playground equipment
with attractive new play structures.
A former central cement parking area has been planted with grass,
and several dilapidated structures have been removed.
Also under way is a carefully designed project
to restore Wildcat Creek to a more natural state,
which will allow reintroduction of fish into the stream.

How to get there:
Merge onto I-80 East.
Take the exit toward SOLANO AVENUE.
Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto AMADOR ST.
Turn RIGHT onto MCBRYDE AVE.

or

Take the Arlington to the end
and take a left and you should see the park sign.
See map

In the case of rain, meet at Lawrence Hall of Science,
which is located on Centennial Drive in the Berkeley hills,
east of the main UC Berkeley campus.
It is just above the UC Botanical Gardens.

Meet at the Young Explorers area at 11:30 a.m. at the kids' play area. The late crowd can catch up at the Bay View Café. Buy food at the café or bring your own lunch.

General Admission:

Adults (ages 19 through 61) $8.50
Student/senior/disabled (ages 5-18; 62 plus) $6.50
Child (ages 3-4) $4.50
LHS Members and Children 2 and under free

American Martial Arts: Trial Karate Class
3734 Grand Ave, Oakland

First Meet Time. 1pm. Piedmont Park.711 Highland Avenue
Second Meet Time. 4pm Academy of Martial Arts. 3734 Grand Ave, Oakland

Where:  Piedmont Park at 711 Highland Avenue
Let us all gather between the fountain and the play area.
             
What to bring:  Blankets and a change of clothes for your little knight or lady 
(just in case he or she decides to take a royal dunk in the fountain)
 
Around 3:15 we’ll collect our goods and check out the Academy of Martial Arts, just a few minutes away..

Second Meet Time: Academy of Martial Arts.
We will have the opportunity to try a free trial class from 4pm - 4:30.
The classes are designed for ages 4 and up.
Cece, the instructor, said 3 year olds are welcome to participate as well,
as long as they can stay focused.
It is very important that we know the exact number of participants
so the Cece can be properly prepared.
Please RSVP to the database ASAP.
I will be calling her one week prior to confirm the number.

Address: 3734 Grand Ave, Oakland.
Website: http://www.amaoakland.com
What to bring: Comfortable clothing. Socks.
Waiver forms are required.
However, parents are not required to stay once the form has been signed.

Rainy Day Plans: Play Cafe from 1pm-3:30pm
Academy of Martial Arts 4pm

Play Café Address: 4400 Keller Avenue • Oakland • CA 94605 •(510) 632-4433 •   http://www.playcafewebsite.com/

Angel Island

Let's go to Angel Island!
First Meet Time: 10:45am**, at the Tiburon Ferry Terminal,
Address: 21 Main Street, Tiburon
(behind Guamas restaurant on the dock)
The ferry leaves the Tiburon Ferry Terminal at 11am.
(If you miss this one, the next ferry to Angel Island leaves at 1pm.
http://www.angelislandferry.com/modules.php?name=Ferry_Service
**Plan on arriving earlier in Tiburon to find parking (see notes below)

Note: The ferry returns from Angel Island to Tiburon at 10:20 am, 11:20 am, 1:20 am, and the last ferry leaves at 3:30 pm (don't want to miss that one!).

Unfortunately, there is no ferry service from the East Bay to the island.


What to bring:
There is a cafe on the island, but it isn't open during the week, so plan on bringing
a picnic lunch or snack, water, bathing suits, sunscreen, hats, sand toys.
If you have any beach unbrellas, try to bring them,
it gets pretty hot on the island in August.
Even if your young ones don't use the stroller anymore,
it's a good idea to bring it, loaded up with your stuff.
The stroller is easily taken on and off the ferry.

After departing the ferry at Angel Island, stroll off to your right,
passing the bathrooms and cafe on your left,
and head either to the small sandy beach or the picnic tables
located just above the beach, and we'll meet there.
It is a small area, we will be able to meet up easily.


Round trip fares
includes Angel Island State Park admission fees:
(purchase tickets as you board the ferry)
Adults, 12 and up: $10.00
Children, 5 to 11 y.o.: $7.50
Children, 4 and under: FREE*
bicycles: $1.00
(*Limit one free child, ages 4 and under, per paying adult)
Cash and check only. No credit cards.

Directions:
http://www.angelislandferry.com/modules.php?name=Directions_Parking

If you are on US 101 heading Northbound: Take the Mill Valley / Tiburon Exit, turn right, and follow Tiburon Blvd 4 miles into downtown Tiburon. Turn right on Main St. The ferry is located on the left at 21 Main St.

If you are on US 101 heading Southbound: Same exit as above, except take a left over the overpass. Instructions from overpass are the same as above.

From the East Bay: Start on Interstate 80 or 580. Take 580 West to the Richmond - San Rafael Bridge ($3 toll westbound, no toll eastbound). After crossing the bridge, follow the signs to Sir Francis Drake Blvd / 101 South. You will pass by the Larkspur ferry terminal on the left. Get on 101 South. After about 2 miles, take the Mill Valley / Tiburon Exit, turn left over the overpass, and follow Tiburon Blvd 4 miles into downtown Tiburon. Turn right on Main St. The ferry is located on the left at 21 Main St.

PARKING:
Take note of the different parking lots shown on the map (see weblink above) as different parking lots have different rates (move your mouse towards a parking lot in the map and it will show you the parking rate).
(Parking rates range from $5 to $10, depending on your proximity to the Ferry Terminal. There are several lots within walking distance --one block-- of the terminal.)
***CARPOOLING is definitely a good idea!

Animal Rescue Foundation
2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek
 (925)256-1ARF
 
Early Meet Time: 11:30 for lunch and park play at Heather Farm.
301 N San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek.
 
Late Meet Time: 2:30pm Tour at ARF.
Address: 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek
 
RAINY DAY BACKUP:
Meet for lunch at noon.
Lovin Spoonful Cafe for lunch
Address: 785 Oak Grove Rd E4
Concord 94578
and then on to our ARF tour at 2:30pm
 
Cost:  $5/Child
 
ARF’s  (Animal Rescue Foundation) mission is to save dogs and cats
who have run out of time at public shelters and bring people
and animals together to enrich each other’s lives. 
If your child loves animals – then this tour is for them. 
We’re in for a special treat – we get our own private tour,
meet a dog and/or cat up close, learn how to approach animals, and play in the learning center. 

Since ARF is a non-profit organization – they suggest as a
fun donation for children – 1 can of wet or dry dog (or cat) food per child.
They’re also in need of old blankets or towels for the animals.
  Let’s have our children help out the animals!!

Aquatic Park
Bolivar Way at the foot of Bancroft Way
Berkeley, CA

When:11:00-?

Meeting place: Let's meet in and around the Dreamland play area.

Things to bring: Bring your own picnic lunch.
You might also want to bring kites, jackets, and blankets.

Ardenwood Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd.
Fremont, CA

It's time to visit Ardenwood Farm,
home of the Patterson House;
to picnic, play and see for yourselves
what life was like at the turn-of-the-century.

You can visit with a cow or a sheep,
tour the Patterson house, ride a horse drawn railroad,
help harvest the crops or just wander the grounds and relax.

Where: Ardenwood Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd.
Fremont, CA

When: First Meet Time - 11am - front entrance
Second Meet Time - 12:30 lunch (near the food stand)

Admission:
$5/adults,
$4/children age 4-17

Directions:
In Fremont, exit Highway 84 at Ardenwood/Newark Boulevard.
Go north on Ardenwood Boulevard.
The entrance is just north of Highway 84.

Editorial Comment:
There is a concession stand available,
but I highly recommend packing your own picnic.

Hope to see you there!

*** October Special Event***
Hayride/Pumpkin Patch at
Ardenwood Farms

Address: 34600 Ardenwood Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94555

First meet time, place: 11:00am at the entrance gates of Ardenwood Farms
This early meeting time is for those of you who wish to visit the farm before our hayride.

Second meet time for the HAYRIDE: 12:30pm, Entrance to the pumpkin patch. We will have time to explore a bit before our 1:00pm hayride.
PLEASE BE PROMPT This will be their last scheduled hayride of the day!

http://www.cornfieldmaze.com/sites.php?ID=&username=cafremont
http://www.perryfarmsorganic.com/pumpkinpatch.php

In addition to the hayride, there is a great pumpkin patch here, as well as haystack mazes and pyramids to explore. Last year the kids really enjoyed this event.
I expect this will be another annual tradition for the Monday Mamas!

What to bring:
$7 per child for the hayride (includes a pumpkin) (moms are free).
If you plan to visit Ardenwood Farm, that has a separate entrance fee.
Although this is after lunch,
you might want to food/drinks for a post-hayride snack.

Rainy Day Back Up
Lawrence Hall of Science - 11:00am

Arlington Park,
1120 Arlington Blvd., El Cerrito, CA 94530

Meeting Time: 11:30 am
Following Luz’s recommendation, we’re going to check out the new park in her neck of the woods!!
Luz says: “There's a big tot area (for ages 5+) with swings (not yet installed), a HUGE tunnel slide, climbing wall, etc. And there is also little tot area (2-5yrs)with swings, small sea-saw, climbing structure (yes, even a teeny climbing wall!), sand box (I think?). This is the same place we held Nicolas' b-day party last July... remember? “ Thanks for the suggestion, Luz!!

Bring the usual park gear: lunch, blankets, sand toys, jackets, sun screen (we can hope right?)

RAINY DAY BACK-UP
Habitot
www.habitot.org
Location: 2065 Kittridge Street, Berkeley
Click here for a map and directions.

Early Meeting Time: 10:00 am
Second Meeting Time: 1:15 pm for lunch at Mels
(this may seem repetitive, but I love how they let us take over their side dining area.
**Habitot closes at 1pm on Mondays.
After lunch, we will head over to the Berkeley Main Library’s Children’s Section
(on Kitteridge, across from Habitot) for some reading time with the kids.

Artopia
55 Crescent Drive, Ste. F
Pleasant Hill
925/671-2345

Rain or shine, let's meet at Artopia in Pleasant Hill at 11 a.m.,
located at 55 Crescent Drive, Ste. F, Pleasant Hill (925-671-2345).
It's a very kid friendly place.
We'll have a large table reserved for painting with our kids for a couple of hours.
FYI, It's about $10/per item to paint.
For lunch, either bring your own or pick it up
at one of the several restaurants within walking distance like Chipotle and Yan Can.
Around 1:30 p.m., we'll head over to the local Pleasant Hill Park (TBD).



The Bay Area Discovery Museum
East Fort Baker
557 McReynolds Road
Sausalito, CA 94965
Click here for a map and directions.

Cost: $7.00 for adults and children.
Children under 1 and members are FREE.

1st Meeting Time: 11:00 am

The early birds can explore the expanded Tot Spot or take advantage of some of the following programs:

Play It by Ear Soundscapedes
Tuesday - Friday
11:15 am
Participate in wondrous demonstrations of sounds and fun activities for the whole family using musical instruments you make and play yourself! Learn how sound travels, the different pitches of sounds, and about different cultures and the music they make. Look for a different activity each visit to the museum.
Science Storytimes
Daily
11:30am
Science Lab
Free with Museum admission
Ages: 6 months - 10 years


2nd Meeting Time:

Let's meet for lunch at the Discovery Café. Bring your lunch or buy food at the café. The revamped menu is inspired by Alice Waters of Chez Panisse and the Edible School Yard.

Bay Model
2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito

Let's take a trip out to Sausalito to visit a new park and the Bay Model.

1st meeting time: 12:30pm***
Lunch and play at ROBIN SWEENY PARK 
at the intersection of Caledonia and Litho Street
http://www.justplaygrounds.com/play/sausalito/robinSweeny/index.htm

2nd meeting time: 2:00pm at Visitor's Entrance to the Bay Model
Address: 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito
415-332-3870
***If it is raining, NO first meet time.

ROBIN SWEENY PARK:
"As found with many structures in Sausalito, this playground is built into a hill by means of terraces. Strollers may approach it from below, stairs must be negotiated from above. The play equipment is on a bed of soft sand and is fully fenced. The top terrace is for toddlers with two toddler full-bucket swings, a wooden climbing structure, two slides, one a tunnel, the other a broad metal slide that warrants supervision. The lower terrace for older kids houses a tire swing, two big kid swings and a great long slide all of which are mounted on a wooden play structure. There is a metal climbing gym set apart from the rest. The area is surrounded by a large lawn, a lighted basketball court, and a small picnic area.....A wide variety of food is available on Caledonia St. from delis, diners, sushi to Real Foods organic market."

THE BAY MODEL:
The Bay Model is basically what its name implies - a huge model of the Bay Area.
Admission is free and tours are self guiding.
The Bay Model is a fun place to take your child or children to roam freely
and point out different areas of the model that they may be familiar with.
They have several displays that kids can look at or touch.
They have a gift shop and several fish tanks in the front of the area for the kids to look at.
Parking is free
and is located next to the actual bay
and is a fun place to watch the boats and walk around.

Directions to Robin Sweeny Park:
From Highway 101-South, take Marin City/Sausalito exit. 
Turn Left on Bridge Blvd. Turn Right on Bridgeway. Turn Right on Litho St.
The park is at the corner of Litho and Caledonia.

Directions to the Bay Model (if skipping the park):
If you are driving, follow Highway 101 to the Sausalito, take Marin City exit.
Follow the signs to Sausalito until you are driving towards downtown Sausalito on Bridgeway.
Look for small brown and white Bay Model direction signs.
Turn left on Harbor,
then almost immediately turn right on Marinship Way
and follow the signs to the Bay Model.
**Note: The building containing the model and visitor center is not on Bridgeway,
but between Marinship Way and the waterfront.
The visitor's entrance is located at the front of the building on the waterfront.

Bay Street Ice Skating (December Only)

First meet time, place: 12:00pm at Rubios for lunch at Bay St. Mall in Emeryville
http://www.rubios.com/menu.html
http://www.baystreetemeryville.com/

Second meet time: 1:00pm, Barnes & Nobles Bookstore (Children’s area)
for a bit before hitting the ice for our hour long lesson!

Third meet time: 1:45pm, Ice Skating Lessons at the outdoor rink
in front of Cold Stone Ice Cream followed by an ice cream treat
before cheering our other friends on at their later lesson.

Fourth meet time: 3:45pm, Second session of Ice Skating Lessons
at the outdoor rink for the late-comers.

The Oakland Ice Center& BH Skating have contracted
with Bay Street to host an outdoor Holiday ice skating rink.
We’re going to have two wonderful one hour ice skating lessons!
This ice rink is actually made out of synthetic ice,
so it’s easier to learn on because you don’t move as easily
(i.e. fast) across the ice.
Non-skating moms can assist their kids if necessary
by wearing socks on the ice.

So….we’ll start the day with a nice warm lunch
and end it with the irresistible Cold Stone Ice Cream,
or maybe some nice cocoa at Barnes & Noble.
We will have worked up an appetite after all!!!

What to bring:
--Money for lunch, cocoa & ice cream
--Skates if you own your own, socks in case your little one wants your to help
--another $5 for each “skater” (sock wearing moms are free)
--layers of clothes (it is Dec. after all)
-- sunscreen (it is California after all, hee hee)

Berkeley Fire Department Tour

First Meet Time:  12:30pm, lunch at Dreamland, Aquatic Park
Located at
Bolivar Way at the foot of Bancroft

Second Meet Time:  3:00pm at Berkeley Fire Department Station No. 6
Address: 999 Cedar Street, Berkeley
981-5560

Let’s meet for lunch and play at Aquatic Park’s Dreamland play area at noon.

What to bring
your lunch, jackets, kites, sunscreen, hats.

Around 2:45pm, we’ll head over to the Berkeley Fire Department Station No. 6 for our Fire Safety Presentation and Fire Station tour!

It’s a 30-minute presentation and tour. 
See firefighters dressed up in their gear. 
Personnel will display the fire truck and ambulance
and talk about the different equipment firefighters use. 

Directions to Dreamland, Aquatic Park:
From 80-East, take University Ave. exit.
Turn Right on Sixth Street
Turn Right on Bancroft.
Make a Left Turn where Bancroft dead-ends at Bolivar.
The park is at the end of this road

Directions to BFD Station No. 6 (if going straight):
From 80-East, take University Ave. exit.
Turn Left on 6th Street
Turn Right on Cedar Street.
The Fire station is at the corner of Eighth and Cedar Streets.
Park on the street.

RAINY DAY BACKUP: Skip the park, fire tour is still a go!

Berkeley Marina and Shorebird Nature Center
160 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA

The Berkeley Marina has lots of fun things to do, and beautiful views.
The kids can play on swings, sand and a slide/climbing structure, grass, and on a sandy/rocky beach right there at the bay. At 1:00, the Shorebird Nature Center opens to the public, where there is a hands-on table, wildlife exhibits, and some fish tanks. (Might be a snake, too!) The center is small, but we'll see what it has to offer. (They do have programs that can be geared to toddlers for $40, and we decided to forego that until we see what the place is like and what interest our group might have for that in the future.) If we have extra time and want a little walk, we can also walk approx. 1 block's distance and visit the Berkeley Pier, where there are usually lots of locals fishing over the side, and a fun walk to the end of the pier.

Meeting times:
First: Let's meet at the picnic tables by the Shorebird Nature Center at 11:00.
Second: Meet at 1:00 at the Shorebird Nature Center.


What to bring:
-Lunch for yourself and child(ren)
-sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses
-swimsuit or clothes that can get wet for the kids
-beach shoes
-stroller if you walk to walk to the pier

Directions: (From their website at www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/marina )

From South 580 or 80: Take Interstate 80 to Powell St. take a left under the freeway and right onto Frontage Rd. Follow Frontage Rd. to University Ave. Seabreeze Market is on the corner. Take a left onto University and follow the directions below. From North : Take Interstate 80 and get off at the University Avenue exit in Berkeley. Take a left onto University toward the Bay when you come to an intersection come to the stop and veer to the left. Continue down University, the road will straighten out and you will see a wide-open parking lot on the left- At the West end of this lot is the Adventure Playground. Parking is here. The Nature Center is the next lot, down University with parking on the right. Cross the street to the Nature Center. If you go too far you will come to the Berkeley pier.

From South 880: Take the University Ave. exit and the lower ramp that goes under the freeway. Take a right at the first intersection (Hearst) go up Hearst to 6th St. (light) take a right onto 6th and the next right onto University. Go over the overpass and continue straight into the Marina. Follow the above directions to our locations.

Berkeley YMCA
2001 Allston Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
510/848.9622

When: Let's meet at 10:45am inside the Y's front lobby area. From there we will hit the pool. Tiny Waves (swim for moms & kids) is held from 11:00 AM-12:00 in the Shallow Pool (30 ft.sq., 3 1/2-4 feet deep, temp: 90-92F). This pool is for parents with children 6 months to 4 years. Babies and children must be with an adult at all times. There is a maximum of four children per supervising adult.

After lunch we can head back to the Y for the Kindergym. Kindergym (open play) is open from 11:30-5pm

Cost: Since I'm a Berkeley Y member, I can bring 12 guests for free.
Anyone else a member? If not, then I believe the amount would be $8pp, which we can split.

What to bring: photo ID for check-in, parking garage ticket for validation,
bathing suit for moms & plastic swim diaper for kids (no one has been turned
away wearing only swim diapers), lunch money and your stroller. *Towels are provided*

Parking info click here
*Please remember to arrive BEFORE 11am for the 2 free parking validation hours.
*Please remember to bring your parking garage ticket with you.

Lunch:
Let's meet at Jupiter at 12:30. Jupiter is within walking distance of the Y.

Jupiter
2181 Shattuck Ave.
843-8277

Bladium
800 West Tower Ave, Bldg 40

First meet time, place: 2:00pm at Woodstock Park
Address: 351 Cypress in Alameda
In case of bad weather, we can head over to Bladium early and meet up at their cafe.

Second meet time:, place: 3:00 Bladium for soccer/ bouncy house
Address: 800 West Tower Ave, Bldg 40
Third meet time: 4:00pm at Bladium's Rock Wall

Address: 800 West Tower Ave, Bldg 40
website: http://www.bladium.com/PublicFacilityDirections.asp?FacilityID=5&CompanyID=1

For the "early birds" let's meet up at the park
before introducing our kids to the rock wall at Bladium Sports Club

For kids of all ages who climb, the special rate will be $9 for two hours.
This includes access to auto belays and pointers from personnel.

However, if you do not climb, you do not pay.
Ample parking available at Bladium.

Boudin Bakery/USS Pampanito/Musee Mechanique in San Francisco

Meet Times:
1pm Meet at Musee Mechanique
2pm Boudin
4pm Pampanito

Early Meet time: 1pm @ Musee Mechanique (Pier 45)
The Musee Mechanique is a collection of mechanical toys,
the "video games" of the 19th and early 20th centuries. 
These totally charming mechanical toys feature a miniature carnival
and ferris wheel made out of toothpicks (it moves), gypsy fortunetellers,
mechanical boxing games and player pianos.

COST: FREE- unless you opt to play a game or two, then you should bring some quarters!

NOTE: This is a great meeting place since it's located next to the USS Pampanito
 and Boudin Bakery. So we can use it to meet before the Boudin or after the USS Pampanito
or perhaps if we have time to kill between the two tours. 
All three of these places are clustered together at Pier 45.
After we play a game or two at Musée Mechanique we can head over to Boudin
or one of the many crab stands and have lunch before our bakery tour begins.
Then our MAIN meet times are as following:

First Meet: 2pm @ Boudin at the Wharf: Museum & Bakery Tour
Before Fisherman's Wharf was even on the map, the Boudin French Bakery was making bread for San Franciscans. Through a compelling array of historic photos, artifacts, and interactive exhibits, discover the history of Boudin, the events and personalities surrounding its origins, and the art and science behind our original San Francisco Sourdough.

COST: $3/adult and kids are FREE! (Maybe want to consider a tip, but I am not sure yet.)

Second Meet: 4pm @ USS Pampanito Submarine
Take a tour of this World War II long-range cruising submarine. The "silent service" wasn't so silent – it was noisy and hot in a submarine, and it had very cramped quarters. Inside the submarine, you'll see berths in the torpedo room, the tiny galley kitchen, radio and engine rooms, and crew's quarters, with bunks stacked three.

COST: $3.00/adult and kids under 6 are FREE (NOTE: I would like to ask that we pay a $2 per child (ages 3 and over), so that we can give the docents a tip.)

DIRECTIONS:
All three of these places are located in the same area of Fisherman's Wharf,
so you can either park in the lot there or find parking in one of the many lots
around that area and then walk. Boudin at the Wharf is located at the corner
of Jefferson and Taylor Streets in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf.

Boudin at the Wharf
Address: 160 Jefferson Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415.928.1849

From East Bay, take the Bay Bridge west to San Francisco. Take the first exit in San Francisco from either the left or right lanes (Fremont or Harrison). At the bottom of the ramp turn right (north). Turn left on to the Embarcadero.
To get to Musee Mechanique/Boudin/Pampanito , continue on the Embarcadero. Follow the flow of traffic past Pier 39 and on to Jefferson. Turn right on Taylor (north). (Boudin is on the embarcadero and the USS Pampanito is on the east side of Pier 45 Shed A.)

From North Bay, take the Golden Gate Bridge south to San Francisco.
To get to Musee Mechanique/Boudin/Pampanito, follow the signs for Lombard. Make a left onVan Ness (north). At North Point make a right (east). Make a left on Taylor (north).
(Boudin is on the embarcadero and the USS Pampanito is on the east side of Pier 45 Shed A.)

BART
Take BART to the Embarcadero Station
Cross the Embarcadero to the Ferry Building.
Take the F line Trolley along the Embarcadero.
Check for times and routes: http://www.bart.gov/index.asp

Oakland/Alameda Ferry, Vallejo Ferry
The Alameda/Oakland Ferry departs daily from Jack London waterfront in Oakland and from the Gateway Center in Alameda with service to the Ferry building in San Francisco and PIER 39.
Free parking is available at both the Alameda and Oakland terminals.
For schedule and rate information please call area code 510-522-3300
The Vallejo Ferry departs daily from Vallejo Ferry terminal with service to PIER 39.
For schedule and rate information please call area code 707-643-3779

Climate, Recommended Clothing:
San Francisco can be foggy and windy at any time of the year.
Visitors should wear layers since the climate can change very quickly.
The Bay Area is known for its microclimates which can change dramatically from neighborhood to neighborhood. November to April or May is considered the rainy season, so dress appropriately.

The Brookdale Discovery Center
Brookdale Discovery Center, (510) 535-5657
2521 High Street (not too far off 580)    
http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/facilities/discovery.asp 

“The Discovery Center offers free hands-on activities in physics, rockets, electro-mechanics, woodworking, telescopes, microscopes, woodworking, art, computers and more.” This sounds formidable, but what is remarkable about this center is how child-friendly everything is. Known as “science in the hood,” you’ll be amazed at what they can accomplish with limited resources.  The programs are designed for ages 6 and up,but our children did great with close parent supervision and participation.   The staff there is very dedicated and helpful.

 
Early Meet Time:  1:30, Romping at the Brookdale playground and park attached to Center(play-structure and field are behind building) 

Main Meet Time:   3:00, Discovery Center, working with staff

 
 What to Bring:
Money and/or material donations (see below,) lunch or snacks, playground stuff (sunhats, sunscreen, blanket, water, etc.)

While officially there is no charge, we strongly encourage donations ($5-8) since our charitable giving will help the Center in the face of severe budgetary setbacks. We also have a list of materials to keep in mind if anyone has any of these items, or if shopping at any bargain places or sales, we can keep this program in mind, and bring some materials to donate whenever we visit.  Note that some of the items are recycled:
Clean wood scraps, Magnets, Nails, Screws, Paper clips, Non-toxic tempera paint for projects, Paint brushes all sizes, Food coloring, Plastic water bottles, Computer paper, Paper mache supplies, Scissors, Colored plastic straws, Tape, Glue, Plastic bins, 12 oz.  Cottage cheese or deli counter containers or something like that size that is stackable, Laundry Detergent scoops  (plastic measuring cup,  8 oz approx. size), School supplies:  notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers, staplers, scissors, etc.  (stay away from magic markers please.)
 

Buchanan Airport
550 Sally Ride Drive, Concord
Our contact there is Doreen Arens at 925-646-5726

Let's take our little ones on an exciting tour of the Buchanan Field Airport.

Meeting Time:
We should plan to meet at about 11:15. The itinerary is as follows:

11:30 Meet at the Observation Deck for an Airport Briefing
11:35 CALSTAR Air Ambulance
11:50 ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) Truck demonstration

Please note that either the helicopter or the truck may be called away at any time to respond to an emergency.

Lunch: Please bring a picnic lunch that we can eat on the deck after the tour.

Build-A-Bear Workshop
Broadway Plaza
1248 Broadway Plaza
Walnut Creek, CA

Let's meet at the Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek to create a new fluffy friend for our little ones.

When: 11:00-1:00 pm

Lunch: 1:00-?

After we build our bears, we can walk or drive to the Civic Park at 1375 Civic Drive at North Broadway. Bring a bag lunch or pick up lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Broadway Plaza.

After Lunch: Those with energy and willing toddlers can hang out at the park for a while,
or head back to the mall to do some shopping.

What to bring: Bring money for the Build-A Bear Workshop.
The cost of a basic stuffed animal ranges from $10-$25. Accessories are extra.

Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd.
Oakland

"The Chabot Space and Science Center
is an AMAZING place to visit!

Admission
Adults - $8
Children 4 to 12 - $5.50
Free for children under 4

Let's plan on having two meet times...

For those of you who would like explore the main museum,
(very interesting, but not really geared to toddlers),
meet at the front entrance at 11:30am.
You will have an hour to explore ...

Early Birds and Late Birds can come together for lunch
at 12:30 pm at the Celestial Cafe.

After lunch we can go into the Discovery Lab.
This is the toddler friendly room
with all sorts of opportunity for exploration and play.
It is open from 1-4pm.
If you can't make the 12:30 lunch time,
just show up in the discovery lab,
it's small enough that you'll find us easily.

Directions:
From downtown Oakland, or San Francisco:
Go east on I 580 to Highway 24 (towards Walnut Creek).
From 24, go south on Highway 13 (Warren Freeway) towards Hayward.
Take the Joaquin Miller/ Lincoln Avenue exit.
Turn left and proceed up the hill on Joaquin Miller to the crest,
then turn left at the signal onto the two lane portion of Skyline Blvd.
Chabot Space & Science Center is 1.3 miles up Skyline on the right.

From eastern Berkeley, Orinda etc.:
Go south on Highway 13 (Warren Freeway) towards Hayward.
Take the Joaquin Miller/ Lincoln Avenue exit.
Turn left and proceed up the hill on Joaquin Miller to the crest,
then turn left at the signal onto the two lane portion of Skyline Blvd.
Chabot Space & Science Center is 1.3 miles up Skyline on the right.

From Hayward, Castro Valley and points East:
Go west on I 580 and take the Highway 13 (Warren Freeway) turnoff.
Take the Joaquin Miller/Lincoln Avenue exit.
Turn right, and proceed up the hill on Joaquin Miller to the crest,
then turn left at the signal onto the two lane portion of Skyline Blvd.
Chabot Space & Science Center is 1.3 miles up Skyline on the right.

Parking
Convenient visitor-paid parking
is available in the adjacent 3-level parking structure
or in the Knoll Lot off Skyline Blvd.
Science Center members receive free parking.

Chuck E. Cheese
7448 Amador Valley Blvd,
Dublin, CA

Let's meet at 12 noon at the Chuck E. Cheese in Dublin.
They have pizza, sandwiches, and a salad bar available for lunch
and entertainment galore for the kids!

Address: 7448 Amador Valley Blvd, Dublin

Directions: 580 East. Exit on FOOTHILL RD/SAN RAMON RD
Take teh San Ramon Exit toward Dublin
Continue on SAN RAMON RD
Turn right on AMADOR VALLEY BLVD

Codornices Park & Rose Gardens
1201 Euclid Avenue
Berkeley, CA

Let's meet at the tot play area at Codornices Park,
located at 1201 Euclid Avenue, in Berkeley
at 11:30 a.m.

Bring picnic lunches, blankets and sunscreen.
It also might also be a good park for tricycles
and scooters, so if you have them and are so inclined, bring them.
For those who stay late, we can follow up our playtime with a walk across the street to the Berkeley Rose Gardens.

Crissy Field

Let’s enjoy a beautiful fall day at the beach.
Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area,
Crissy Field features “100 acres of nature, history and recreation,
including a restored tidal marsh and dunes and a scenic promenade.”

Time and meeting place: Let’s first meet at the
West Bluff Picnic Area at 11:30am.
Right next to the picnic area is a beautiful stretch of
protected beach that the kids can explore.

At 1:00pm, let’s meet at the Warming Hut so that we can take a scenic stroll underneath the Golden Gate Bridge.

Things to bring: Bring swimsuits, hats, sunscreen, towels, an extra change of clothes, and blankets to sit on. Since San Francisco weather is unpredictable, bring warm layers of clothes in case the fog decides to roll in.

Bring a picnic lunch or money to buy lunch at the Warming Hut. The Warming Hut has a café that serves delicious sandwiches, soups, and salads.

Rainy day plans: Meet at Habitot from 10:30-1:00.

Crown Beach
Otis Dr At Westline
Alameda, CA

Dimond Park
3860 Hanly Road
Oakland, CA

Meet at the children's play area at 11:30 a.m. at Dimond Park.
Bring your bag lunches and picnic blankets. There are some large Oak and Redwood trees for shade and a bathroom. Sausal Creek runs through the park and there is a nice hiking trail there as well.

For more information on the park, call(510) 482-7831

Dimond Park is located at 3860 Hanly Road in Oakland.

In case of rain, please meet at 11:30 a.m. at the Concord Jungle
at1975 Diamond Blvd. In Concord (925-687-4386).

Dracena Park,

Let’s meet at Dracena Park in Piedmont.
The park has a nice shady play area
plus an enclosed flat lawn area great for picnics and circle activities.

According to the Piedmont web site, Dracena Park is:

an informal park on eight acres of land in an abandoned rock quarry. It consists of two separate levels connected with a series of pathways. The lower park features a children's play structure with large open lawns in the quarry, which invite quiet strolls and contemplation.

Meeting Time: 11:30-?

Meeting Place: Let’s meet at the play structure.

What to bring: Bring a picnic lunch, a blanket, and sunscreen.

Directions:

Address: 130 Dracena Ave, Piedmont
Click here for a map.

Earl Warren Park
(Owen and Miles' birthday party, 11/23/03)

Directions from Oakland, Berkeley, and all points west of Castro Valley:
Take 580 East to the Center St. Exit.
Make a left on Center St.
Make a right on Paradise Knolls (Creekside Middle School will be on your right).
Take Paradise Knolls until it deadends in the Earl Warren Park parking lot. You'll be able to see a dog park and a big grassy area, but not the party. Follow the path around to the corner to the right, and we'll be right there.

Directions from Pleasanton and points east of Castro Valley:
Take 580 West to the Castro Valley Exit.
Turn left onto Castro Valley Blvd.
Make a right on Center St.
Make a right on Paradise Knolls (Creekside Middle School will be on your right).
Take Paradise Knolls until it deadends in the Earl Warren Park parking lot. You'll be able to see a dog park and a big grassy area, but not the party.
Follow the path around to the corner to the right, and we'll be right there.

El Cerrito Swim Center
7007 Moeser Lane
El Cerrito, CA    94530-2392
Te.l 510 215-4300
 
Let’s check out the completely NEW pool at El Cerrito,
now including a wading pool with a mushroom fountain,
a huge slide, 25 x 25 meter lap swimming, and diving area with
1 & 3 meter boards.  Construction was completed for the new reopening in
January 2004.  They are open for the
Spring schedule for recreational swim from 3:00-5:00. 
(In the Summer, the rec. swim hours will be longer,
so it will be another fun option for us to swim!) 
Children under 6 years old must be accompanied in water by an adult.   
See a slide show of the new construction,
and photos of the new pools and locker rooms at:
http://www.el-cerrito.org/recreation/swim_center.html.
 
 
First meet time: 12:00noon
Lunch at Rubio’s taqueria at the El Cerrito Plaza.
 
Second Meet Time: 1:30 PM
Hang out at the children’s section of the Barnes & Noble bookstore
in the El Cerrito Plaza, located off San Pablo at Fairmont Avenue. 
(or have some moms take kids to Petco to look at the animals while other moms shop?)
 
Third Meet Time:  3:00 – 5:00pm
Swim at the El Cerrito Pool,
Address: 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito.
 
What to Bring: 
sun block, goggles, swim suits, towels, beach chairs, picnic blankets,
money for lunch or snacks.

RAINY DAY BACK-UP
The Jungle, Concord
Address:  1975 Diamond Blvd. 
Concord, CA
925/687-4386

Exploratorium
3601 Lyon Street
San Francisco, CA

When: meet just inside the entrance at 11:30;
it's not too huge and if you stay on the first floor,
you should be able to find the group by scanning

How much: $12 for adult,
free for kids 4 and under,
$8 for over 4;
half price for those with museum membership

Parking: free in their lot
Lunch: pack one or buy one at their small café
and let's eat it outside on their beautiful garden-like grounds around 12:30 or 1:00

Fairyland
699 Bellevue Avenue
Oakland, 94610

Time: 10:00-12:30

Lunch: Meet at Lakeside Park 666 Bellevue Avenue
at 12:30.
Bring your own lunch.

Things to bring: Admission fee for Fairyland,
$6 for ages 1 and up.
Under 1 - free

Fenton’s Creamery Tour
4226 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland
510/658-7000
website: www.fentonscreamery.com
 
Second Meet Time:  2:00pm at Linda Park
 
"We produce our ice cream and toppings the old fashioned way – By hand, right here on site." –Fenton’s Creamery
 
The Fenton’s Creamery tour for our preschoolers only lasts for about 15 minutes.
The tour starts promptly at noon so please plan on arriving at Fenton’s
a little bit before 12pm.
We will meet with Keith, their manager, who will show us
how they make their famous ice cream.
 
Cost of Tour:
For kids and adults
$3
$5 with sundae
 
We will have lunch in their back room after the tour.
After lunch, we will walk/drive to Linda Tot Park and
will let the kids play.

Fruit-Picking, Brentwood
and Prewett Water Park, Antioch

 
First meet time: 10:30am at Canciamilla Ranch, Canciamilla Ranch,
address: 401 Eureka, Brentwood   (925)634-5123
 
Second meet time:  12:30pm at Pee Wee Muldoons, 8900 Brentwood Blvd # C,
Brentwood, CA 94513    (925) 634-7850

Third meet time:  2pm at Antioch Prewett Family WaterPark,
address: 4701 Lone Tree Way,Anioch        (925) 776-3070
 
Fruit-Picking in Brentwood
at Canciamilla Ranch
You can pick springcrest and babcock white peaches,
juneglo, fire bright, independence, fantasia, and
assorted white nectarines, and Satsuma and Santa Rosa plums.
Bring your own snacks
(or pick up at one of the fast food places on hwy 4)
 to eat in their picnic area if
you don't fill up on the fruits you pick.
There are cold beverages and a large selection of ice cream
at Canciamilla Ranch to top you off. 
 
After fruit-picking,
we’ll have lunch at PeeWee Muldoons,
our favorite post-fruit-picking lunch place in Brentwood.
 
After Lunch,
If you want to cool off and still have the energy,
head to
Antioch Prewett Family WaterPark
site:  http://www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CitySvcs/Prewett/
11 acres oflandscaped fun,
including 5 pools and 5 slides
 
Admission
$6
$4 after 4pm
kids 2 and under are FREE with paying adult
 
Park is open 1pm to 7pm, M-F in the summer.

They have a kiddie pool with cascading terraces where
the littlest of fish will be happy the big fish will have fun too.
Three of the slides are for the under 4 feet crowd wearing park-provided life vests.
 Life guarding is very good here like at the Silliman
Aquatic Center in Newark. Showers and changing room are available.
No outside food is allowed (picnic area outside) but
there is a concession stand.
 
Please bring:
--Water fun essentials: 
Sunscreen, goggles, hats, towels, toiletries, change of clothes.
 
 
Directions:
(these directions were taken from Yahoo! maps)
 
to Canciamilla Ranch
Take CA-24 East
Go 680-North exit toward Concord/Sacramento
Take the CA-242 exit toward Concord/Pittsburg
Take the Lone Tree Way exit
Turn Right on CA-4-BYP
Turn Left on Balfour Rd
Turn Right on Walnut Blvd.
Turn Right on Eureka Avenue.
Arrive at 401 Eureka Avenue, Brentwood.
 
from Canciamilla Ranch to PeeWee Muldoons
from 401 Eureka
Turn Left on Walnut Blvd.
Turn Right on Balfour Rd.
Turn Right on Brentwood Blvd.
Turn Left on Valdry Ct.
Arrive at 8900 Brentwood Blvd. Suite C.
 
 
from PeeWee Muldoons to Prewett
From 8900 Brentwood Blvd (go .3 mi.)
Turn Right on Brentwood Blvd. (go 2.3 mi.)
Turn Left on Balfour Rd. (go 2.6 mi.)
Turn Right on CA-4-BYP (go 3.6 mi.)
Turn Left on Lone Tree Way
Arrive at 4071 Lone Tree Way, on the right.
 
 
if going straight to Prewett Family Water Park:
From Oakland,
Take 24-East
Go 680-North
Take CA-242 Exit towards Concord/Pittsburg
Take CA-4 East Exit towards Stockton/Pittsburg
Take the Lone Tree Way Exit
Make a U-Turn at Golf Course Rd. onto Lone Tree Way
Arrive at 4071 Lone Tree Way on the right.

Glendale-La Loma Tot Park
1339 La Loma at Glendale Avenue
Northeast Berkeley

What to bring: waterproof blankets or folding chairs, layering clothes
to make sure our kids are ready for ANY type of weather

Directions:
From Oakland

1.Take 580-East
2.Take 80-East
3.Take the University Avenue Exit, proceed onto University Avenue and head east towards the hills;
4.Turn Left on Oxford (where University Avenue dead-ends);
5.Turn Right on Cedar;
6.Turn Left on La Loma (where Cedar dead-ends);
7.Turn Left on Glendale;
8.Glendale-LaLoma Park is on the left-hand side of the street.
From Richmond

*Take 80-West and follow directions 3 thru 8 above.

Golden Gate Fields
1100 Eastshore Highway, Berkeley

Let’s go see HORSES RUN REALLY REALLY FAST!
Golden Gate Fields will be offering us an exclusive 30
minute tour starting at 12:30pm. We take honors for
being the first ever “school” group to come through
Golden Gate Fields.

Our guide will go over what happens to the horses
before they arrive at the racetrack and how they are
bred. She will give us a tour of the racetrack
including the paddock where the horses and jockeys
parade around before the race starts. Please note that
we are to keep our voice down at the paddock.
Thereafter, she’ll instruct the adults on how to place
bets and take us through the 1st race of the day at
1pm. Races run every half hour, ending at 5:30pm so
stay as long as you want
During the race, EVERYONE screams
so it should be perfect for our scream-happy kids.

Let’s sit right up close so that we can see the dirt
fly and hear the horses gallop past. There’s plenty of
room to move around during and in between the races.
They have sent me 16 adult passes (kids are free) and
so far we have about 12 of them spoken for. so meet me
at the entrance at 12:20pm to be admitted in free.
Parking is $4/car.

It’s fine to come even if you haven’t rsvped, just no
guarantees on the goody bag.

There are concession stands available (hot dogs,
pizza, etc.) but NO outside food or beverages are
allowed.

Early Meet Time: 11:00 -12:10 for brunch at Picante in Berkeley.
1328 6th st. Berkeley.
Very kid-friendly and
only 0.6 miles from Golden Gate Fields

Late Meet Time: 12:20 at the entrance for a 12:30 pm
Tour at Golden Gate Fields
Address: 1100 eastshore highway, Berkeley.

Directions:
take buchanon/albany city exit off hwy 80 and head
toward the bay. you'll come to a large parking area to
the left. park there and enter. this entrance is level
and right by the tracks. the other entrance atop the
hill overlooking the bay is not for general admission
but for club house members.

Even Later: come when you can, the tour will be over
and you’ll pay for admission but the races will be on
all afternoon.

Cost/ what to bring: Admission is FREE (Helen has thetickets),
bring $ for parking, food, and any bets you’d like to make.
Camera: ok to bring, no flash

This is a rain or shine event. 

The Golden Skate
http://www.thegoldenskate.com

Something NEW and EXCITING for our kids!
Come give your child an opportunity to ROLLERSKATE! at an indoor skating rink.
Meet at The Golden Skate.
Address: 2701 Hooper Drive
San Ramon, CA 94583
925.820.2525
They have open skate until 6pm.

What to bring:
* $8pp for admission
*$2 roller skate rental OR $4 for inline skate rental
*SOCKS!

Click here for a map from the Golden Skate to Chuck E Cheese's
Local Kids Restaurant: Please invite your husbands to meet you between 6 and 6:30 p.m.
and let’s have a family dinner together at the very kid-friendly Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza.
Heck, kick up your heels, and unwind with your friends
while our kids play together.
This is a great opportunity for all you working moms/kindergarten families
to join the group after you get home!!
Won’t you meet us for pizza and play?
Address: 7448 Amador Valley Blvd
Dublin, CA 94568
925.803.0101
What to bring: Your whole family, an appetite and money for dinner : )

Great America,
Santa Clara

We're making the trek to Santa Clara's Great America today for a
fun theme park adventure.
Bring bathing suits, sunscreen and towels for the water park area,
as well as strollers and cash for meals.
Plan ahead and purchase highly discounted tickets at $25.99
at participating Safeway locations,
the tickets are way more expensive at the door.

• Directions: I-880 south to 237,
  then west to Great America Parkway exit (45mi/72km).
  

The early group will meet at 11:00am at the Carousel Columbia,
right inside the main gates in Hollywood Plaza.
Walk around the park toward the right, so people who want to catch up can try to find you.

The next group will meet at 12:00 at
Nicolodeon Central at the Dora's Doonbuggy Ride.
We'll head over to Kidsville for rides after that.

Finally, anyone who gets separated or shows
up even later, should meet at 3:30 p.m. at the Kookabura Cay attraction
at Boomerang Bay. We'll finish off the latter half of our day in the
water park area and then walk out through the rest of the park.

Please wait 15 minutes at all meeting-place attractions, before moving on.
Carpooling is recommended.

Gymfinity
1001 Shannnon Court, Suite A, 2nd door, Livermore
925-456-0110

First meet time 11:30 at Dublin Sports Grounds.
right off the 580 fwy.at Hopyard on the way to Livermore.
Address: Dublin Boulevard and Civic Plaza.
Meet at the play structure with your lunch
(There are quite a few drive-thrus in the area if packing a lunch is too much.)
After lunch we can walk over to the Dublin Library at 1:00 for their preschool storytime.

Rainy Day Lunch Plans: IF it's raining when you get out to
Dublin at 11:30, then go back on Dublin Blvd (toward Oakland) and go to
Burger King for lunch. I know, it's not the healthiest choice, but it has a
playstructure and is right across the street from a Starbucks :-).
Address: 6921 Regional St, Dublin
(corner of Regional and Dublin Blvd...
next to where we saw the Ooey Gooey LAdy speak).
The rest of the day is indoors, so no rainy day changes are necessary.

Second meet time: 2:00 at Gymfinity in Livermore for our reserved trampoline class.
(Ends at 3:00, please be on time)
Gymfinity Address: 1001 Shannnon Court, Suite A, 2nd door, Livermore
Cost is $5 per family.

From the Gymfinity Manager...
* You will need to fill out a release waiver before participating at Gymfinity
 
* Parents & children should wear comfortable clothing that does not have buttons,
zippers or snaps. Sweats & fitted shirt is best. You will also need socks.

 * You will be responsible for your children during their time at Gymfinity.
We ask all parents to stay close to their children while in the gym.  
* There will be an instructor leading the group in activities
and the group should stay with the instructor.

I am really looking forward to meeting all of you and playing with your children.
Can't wait to see you!  

For any additional info, please contact Jill Wilson at 456-0110

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
1300 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112l

Located in San Jose's Kelley Park on the corner of Story and Senter Roads

When and Where: 11 a.m. just inside the entrance
and again at 12:30p.m. by the snack bar near the tot-sized carousel.

Lunch: There are places to buy lunch, but they're the usual hamburger/hot dogs fare.
So, pack lunch if you want to go the healthy route.

For those who come at odd times and I want to find everyone, I think the best guess is to check around the animal area before lunch and around the rides after lunch.
Try to carpool if you can, since there are carpool lanes almost the whole way home making the trip far more enjoyable.

In case of rain let's check out the San Jose Jungle located at 950 El Paseo de Saratoga in San Jose in the El Paseo Shopping Center. There are directions and interactive maps on both websites.

Hardy "Frog" Park
491 Hardy Street
Oakland, CA

Let's play at the big playground at Frog Park
When: 11:30-meltdown
Where: Frog Park 491 Hardy Street Oakland, CA
What to bring: lunch, sand toys, sunscreen, the usual park stuff

Rainy day backup: Habitot

Heather Farm
301 N San Carlos Dr.
Walnut Creek

"Let's meet at a new park in Walnut Creek
(well, not exactly new but new to us).

Heather Farm has a pool with open swim time from 12-4pm.
The charge is about $3.50 for adults and $1.50 for kids.
If you don't want to swim,
there is a huge playground right next to the pool area
as well as a pond with ducks to feed
and lots of open lawn area.
There are also
shaded areas in case it's one of those blistering hot days.
Let's meet at
the playground area at 11:30
for a picnic lunch and people can decide
if they want to go swimming or not.
For those of us with two kids,
maybe we could take turns watching some of the kids
at the playground while
others go swimming...just a thought."

Hilltop Mall
2200 Hilltop Mall Rd
Richmond, CA 94806
510/223-1933

Earlybirds-
Let’s meet at 11:00am at the play area at Hilltop Mall

Latebirds-
12:30pm Lunch at Mongolian BBQ located in the Hilltop Mall
Next to JC Penney’s, 24 Hour Fitness, Subway & Cazuelas Grill